Astronomers Without Borders launches Telescopes to Tanzania campaign

Our good friend Mike Simmons, driving force behind the outreach group Astronomers Without Borders, sent the following press release, which will no doubt be of interest.

Please check it out and support them in every way you can!

Telescopes to Tanzania campaign launches on IndiegogoTanzanian Students Reach for the Stars

Calabasas, CA – International astronomy advocacy group Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) today launched its Indiegogo fundraising campaign dedicated to building The Center for Science Education and Observatory in Tanzania.

The new science center is part of the AWB program Telescopes to Tanzania, which brings quality science education to the children of the East African nation.

Tanzanian students are often without textbooks and many basic educational resources we take for granted in western countries. And teacher training in science is often lacking.

"Providing the opportunity for people to get involved in this important project in East Africa is a perfect fit for Astronomers Without Borders' motto, One People, One Sky," said Mike Simmons, president and founder of AWB.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are recognized as critical fields for every country’s future. But that future can only be realized when the potential of its youth – the greatest resource in any nation – is fulfilled. AWB is building The Center for Science Education and Observatory in East Africa to help the country realize that potential. This campaign comes on the heels of three years of progress with a sustainable vision for the future and a pathway to success for the country’s deserving youth now within reach.

Through the power of this popular crowd-funding platform, AWB will raise funds to build the center, which will provide astronomical and science training for both teachers and students. By integrating astronomy into the national teaching curriculum, the center will be able to develop and circulate hands-on science and astronomy-teaching resources to schools around the country. The center will also house hands-on laboratories, an astronomical observatory with a portable planetarium, and Internet connectivity so that connections can be made with science centers worldwide.

"We're excited to be taking the next step in making this unique and innovative project a sustainable reality," said Simmons. " The need is great and a lot has already been accomplished."

The Telescopes to Tanzania project already has a successful track record, having just raised $11,000 in a single fundraising campaign to fund a four- day curriculum development workshop this June attended by some of the nation's key education stakeholders.

Now is the time to build on this momentum and expand this worthy project, so AWB is sharing the adventure with the world using Indiegogo.

Supporters will not only be a key part of making this dream a reality, but they will also receive gifts as lasting keepsakes.

To learn more about supporting The Center for Science Education and Observatory and Telescopes to Tanzania visit the Indiegogo campaign page.

About Astronomers Without BordersSince its launch in 2007, the non-profit organization Astronomers Without Borders has brought the world together through sharing of our passion for astronomy and the wonders of the universe.

Local observing, online remote observing, and support programs worldwide bring people together as they share their activities with each other.

While looking outward together, we learn about each other and create lasting bonds, regardless of country or culture. It is this bond between people that Astronomers Without Borders hopes to foster.